Boston Celtics showed their defensive prowess in the second half of the Game 2 win vs the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday night. Kevin Durant went 0-for-10 from the field in the second half, and the Celtics spurt a run to win the game.
Durant has combined for 13-for-40 from the field in the series. He still managed to score 27 points going 18 of 20 from the free throw line. However, the superstar duo of Durant and Irving finished with 1-of-17 from the field in the second half.
“I think we did that,” Celtics’ HC Udoka said of limiting Durant’s space. “We want to make him work defensively and offensively have bodies on him the whole time and try to wear him down.”
The Celtics’ plan suffocated Durant, who also committed six turnovers while finishing minus-10 in 42 minutes of action in the 114-107 loss. Durant ineffective usage will hurt the Nets’ hopes to get back into the series.
After scoring 39 points in Game 1, Irving managed just 10 in Game 2, going just 4-for-13 from the field. His performance was at most underwhelming, however, Irving believes the Nets can bounce back.
“We’re going against the No. 1 team in defense in the league. They’ve proven it, so it’s not going to be easy, but it can be done,” Irving said.
On the other side, Durant believes it is on him to alter the situation and help Brooklyn make them a series. The most interesting part of the equation is that Boston is playing without Robert Williams, who expected to be back at some point during the playoffs.
Williams was by far the best defender of the team, alongside DPOY Marcus Smart. In any case, Al Horford is having a great series so far playing instead of Williams, while Theis is also playing a big role as the back-up center.
With Al Horford on the floor, the Celtics are averaging a net rating of +14.0 allowing just 105.2 points per 100 possessions. More importantly, Horford is there to follow Durant and help the perimeter defense make him take tough shots.
“Can’t give him open looks, rhythm shots and things like that. So you just follow the game plan – as best as we can try to make it tough for him,” Tatum said.
The Nets will have to found a way to utilize the offensive dominance of Durant and Irving. However, the Celtics seem to have all the answers ahead of Games 3 and 4 of series.
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